WEC to Drop LHW Class After Sept. 10

Aug 29, 2008 6:30 PM John Chandler

Alex Schoenauer. Photo courtesy of the International Fight League.

Former “Ultimate Fighter” contestant Alex Schoenauer has revealed that World Extreme Cagefighting plans to drop their light heavyweight weight class following the conclusion of WEC 36 on September 10 in a recent interview with MMA Junkie.

“I believe it’s a five-fight deal,” Schoenauer said of his contract with the WEC in the interview. “Only one is with the WEC and the rest are supposed to be with the UFC. [The WEC] is supposed to be moving all of the 205 (pounders) from the WEC to the UFC. This is supposedly their last 205 (pound) show.”

Schoenauer also stated that his previously announced signing with the California-based Palace Fighting Championships never became a reality. He is replacing an injured Mark Munoz against BodogFight veteran Steve Steinbeiss in one of WEC 36’s non-televised preliminary bouts.

Rumors that Zuffa was considering to combine the WEC’s 185 lb. and 205 lb. weight classes into the UFC started months ago and the plan was eventually confirmed by UFC President Dana White. No word as of yet concerning whether or not the Sept. 10 show will also be the last for the WEC’s middleweight division as well.